Teach Me How To Adult

The housing market is absolutely insane in North America right now, especially in the major cities of Canada (helllllo, Toronto and Vancouver). The market is hotter than ever, and Canadian house prices and home sales hit record highs this March. So in today’s quickie, we’re diving into everything you need to know to navigate renting or buying your next home. Whether you’re moving out into a rental for the first time or thinking about taking the plunge and buying real estate, there’s a lot to consider that can help you with your decision. Hosts Cailyn and Gillian bring their different experiences and perspectives as renters and homeowners to offer up realtalk on the process and logistics of landing your next home. It’s daunting AF, but there’s still a ton of hope. It’s a good time to rent right now since we’re in a renter’s market, and if you’re looking into homeownership, interest rates are super low for the time being. Tune in as we chat about:Trends in the Canadian real estate market, and how much buying a home or renting a condo could set you back in major citiesHow to decide between renting and buying based on your goals, values and finances (and the pros and cons of each)The % of your income you should be sending on your homeThe importance of location and neighbourhoodThe team of real estate agents, mortgage brokers and lawyers you’ll need in your cornerEverything you need to know about mortgages, explained The hidden and unexpected costs of buying a home that you should prep forThe process from submitting an offer to picking up the keys on your closing dateThe requirements checklist you should use for finding your ideal rentalHow to negotiate your rent like a bossThe paperwork, proof and process you’ll need to secure your rental homeWe hope this episode helps you in your search for the perfect rental or your first home. Happy house-hunting, friends!For show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caSign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/ Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Vaxxed girl summer is in full swing, and there’s so much good energy and hope again! But summer can also be a very triggering time for a lot of people when it comes to body image and insecurities. We polled you guys on Instagram about how you’re feeling in terms of confidence and self-acceptance, and we learned that we’re definitely not alone in this feeling. 76% of you said that summer triggers your insecurities, while 77% of you are feeling anxious about re-emerging from lockdowns with all the physical and mental changes we’ve undergone. 91% of you said that you struggle with negative self-talk, and we feel you...we can all be our own worst critics and bullies.That’s why we called in body positivity activist and the Queen of confidence, Roxy Earle. We’re on a mission to help everyone (including ourselves) positively develop the single most important relationship we’ll ever have — our relationship with ourselves. And that requires unconditional self-love, compassion, gratitude and some helpful tools to get us out of negative spirals when we’re struggling with our self-esteem or body image. Roxy is a former marketing professional turned model, entrepreneur, body positivity activist and a star on Real Housewives of Toronto. She started the #MySizeRox movement, which advocates that confidence comes in all shapes and sizes. She’s worked with brands like Knix, H&M, Le Chateau and Joe Fresh to bring more inclusive sizing and styles to their stores, and is launching the Ana App, which is a tool to increase positivity & confidence while also optimizing your health. Tune in as we chat about:Gill’s mindset shift for dealing with negative spirals, finding pride and respect in herself, and abandoning clothing sizesCailyn’s newfound outlook on self-love & body image as a soon-to-be momThe moment that inspired Roxy to start the #MySizeRoxs movementHow confidence became her secret sauce and how to cultivate it (hint: it’s not genetic, it’s accountability!)Roxy’s tips for practicing positive self-talk and self-love dailyWhy Roxy is advocating for inclusivity and representation in the fashion industryHow a gratitude practice can help you combat insecurities and change your lifeWhy filters and body contouring apps are unattainable, exhausting and quite honestly...boring!The mindset shift to have a healthier relationship with your bodyThe importance of practicing and modelling self-love as a parentThe #1 tip for looking and feeling your best in photosWe hope this episode inspires you to wear the damn shorts this summer and to start loving yourself unconditionally. You deserve it. And if you need any support on your self-love journey, we’re here for you. This episode is brought to you by Dove. Visit teachmehowtoadult.ca/dove for details on how to try a free sample of their Deep Moisture Hand Sanitizer that we can’t stop raving about!Teach Me How To Adult is a podcast that serves up expert interviews, candid experiences and actionable advice on everything you never learned growing up. Follow along as we figure it out together!For show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caSign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/Follow Roxy:instagram.com/luxuriousroxy/Get the Ana App (coming soon): instagram.com/theanaapp/ Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

A big part of levelling up in adulthood for us has been moving past those university-dorm-room living habits and creating an actual adult home. Because anyone who’s ever called their parents asking for laundry tips or cooking questions knows...adulthood hits differently when you have your shit together at home!So this is your quick and dirty guide to all the kitchen tools you *actually* need now that you’re adulting, the scoop about everything from pans and knives, to linens and laundry, grown-ass bedding and those fancy touches that will make your space functional and elevated. Are laundry tips sexy? No. Are we all trying to figure this stuff out? Yes. We hope this episode shows you that you DON’T need to wait for a wedding registry to get nice things that make you feel at home where you live, because even small investments in yourself and how you live can make a huge difference in your happiness and efficiency.And even though we’re covering a lot of things that you can buy for your place, we just want to flag that today’s advice isn’t all about spending a lot of money and acquiring a bunch of stuff. This can all be really budget-friendly, so wherever you’re at with your living situation and your budget, and whether you rent or own, know that you can follow these tips with super limited savings!Tune in as we chat about:The kitchen tools and unexpected appliances that are actually worth itThe essential kitchen knives you need and how to care for themThe different pans on the market and why we’re cast iron and non-stick fansFancy dishware, glassware and barware for your homeWhy a good, luxurious bed is the best investment you can makeHow steamers, air purifiers and humidifiers will change the game in your bedroom (and skincare routine)The lowdown on linens: how many you need, and the right way to launder themHow a good couch can make your living room whole and how to get one on a dimeThe importance of mood lighting and musicWhich plant babies are the easiest to take care of and will look cute in your homeWe hope this episode inspires you to make your home feel like yours, and to invest in easy upgrades that will make all the difference in your grownup space. This episode is brought to you by Dove. Visit teachmehowtoadult.ca/dove for details on how to try a free sample of their Deep Moisture Hand Sanitizer that we can’t stop raving about!Products mentioned:Air FryerGill's Instant PotGill's Espresso/Cappuccino machine Non Stick PansCailyn's Knife RackAerogardenWine GlassesCocktail GlassesBar KitY PeelerSlotted SpoonSpice RackChef KnifePairing KnifeLe Creuset Cast Iron SkilletLodge Cast Iron SkilletTowel SetGill's Matte Black Dish SetCailyn's Stone Dish SetAir PurifierClothes SteamerTeach Me How To Adult is a podcast that serves up expert interviews, candid experiences and actionable advice on everything you never learned growing up. Follow along as we figure it out together!Subscribe to our monthly newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletterFor show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caFollow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/ Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

If you have an idea that you can’t stop dreaming about, this week’s episode is the inspo you need. We chat with Ashley Freeborn, the founder and CEO of the renowned fashion brand Smash + Tess, about all things brand building, entrepreneurship, using fear to fuel your fire, and tapping your network to help get your idea off the ground.You’ve probably seen people rocking Ashley’s rompers on instagram, or heard about her epic collabs with Jillian Harris, Sarah Landry of The Birds Papaya and Hilary Duff, just to name a few. Her brand started the #romperrevolution but here’s why we honed in on Smash + Tess for today’s episode: Ashley isn’t a serial entrepreneur or longtime business or fashion mogul, she just had an idea to fill a gap in the market, and made her dream a huge reality. What she created is so much more than a clothing company, it’s a community, a lifestyle and an inclusive brand that empowers women to live their best lives.Ashley is a fellow Canadian, who worked as a teacher and then in the finance sector before going all in on her passion project, Smash + Tess. Smash + Tess has since grown from two employees into a team of 40+ in five years, and in 2020, the company achieved 66% YOY growth, surpassing $16.5 million in sales. In 2020, Ashley was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, led Smash + Tess through their biggest growth year, and was listed in The Globe + Mail’s Top Growth Companies in 2020 – being the #1 woman-led company on the list! She is passionate about creating clothing that celebrates femininity, strength, style, and comfort in women of all shapes and sizes.Tune in as we chat about:How Ashley made the leap to quit her 9-5 and go all in on Smash + TessThe journey of bringing Smash + Tess from an idea to a best-sellerThe secret sauce to cultivating a strong communityHow to use social media as a listening tool for growthTips for entrepreneurs to overcome impostor syndrome and use fear or rejection as fuelThe 3 most important traits to crush it as an entrepreneurHow to know when it’s time to go all in on your side hustleWhy you don’t necessarily need professional background in the industry you’re breaking intoHow to avoid burnout as an entrepreneurHow to create successful collabs that move the needleWe hope this episode inspires you to pursue that side hustle and Smash (& Tess) all of your biz ideas and goals!This episode is brought to you by Dove. Visit teachmehowtoadult.ca/dove for details on how to try a free sample of their Deep Moisture Hand Sanitizer that we can’t stop raving about!Teach Me How To Adult is a podcast that serves up expert interviews, candid experiences and actionable advice on everything you never learned growing up. Follow along as we figure it out together! For show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caFollow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/Follow Ashley:https://smashtess.com/instagram.com/afreeborn/instagram.com/smashtess/ Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Sure, #selfcaresundays are good for the soul, but do you know what else feels good? Financial empowerment. So today we’re talking all things investing with millennial money expert, Jessica Moorhouse. This is one of our most-requested topics and it’s no surprise why. In our recent Instagram poll, 80% of you said that you find investing intimidating — and we totally get that. A lot of us might believe that investing is only for super rich, middle-aged people, but we promise you that is not the case. It is SO key to start investing even the smallest amount while you’re young, so you can reap the benefits of those early investments later on in life. Hello early retirement!And as we learned in this episode, investing isn’t actually *that* complicated, so those who try to make it sound more difficult than it is have some sort of M.O. But we are ready to flip the script on that narrative to start building our financial skillset and investing with confidence!Jessica is a millennial money expert, speaker, Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada®, award-winning blogger, host of the More Money Podcast and founder of the Millennial Money Meetup, a series of empowering personal finance events. Her mission is to teach others how to take control of their lives by taking control of their money and we are here for that! Tune in to hear more about: The basic investing terminology you should knowHow to tell when you’re ready to investThe different types of investments people can buyTypes of investing accounts you should openHow to invest if you don’t have a ton of moneyUnderstanding your risk tolerance and creating a balanced portfolioThe benefits of investing in increments VS going all inThe top 3 things people should look for when investing in a company This episode is brought to you by Dove. Visit teachmehowtoadult.ca/dove for details on how to try a free sample of their Deep Moisture Hand Sanitizer that we can’t stop raving about!Teach Me How To Adult is a podcast that serves up expert interviews, candid experiences and actionable advice on everything you never learned growing up. Follow along as we figure it out together!For show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caFollow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/Follow Jessica:jessicamoorhouse.com/instagram.com/jessicaimoorhouse/More Money Podcast Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Instagram has so much value for both creators and consumers. It has the power to launch careers, and can literally make or break the success of a company or a campaign. Whether you’re a hobbyist, small biz owner, or aspiring social media manager, there’s a ton to gain from the platform, so today we’re diving into all things growth and engagement for Instagram with Laura Bitoiu, founder of B Squared Social.If you want to learn how to build an engaged social community, which IG tools you should use to move the needle, how the algorithm really works, why reels have the best ROI, and what tools to use to streamline your social strategy, this episode is for you. Laura is the founder of B Squared Social, a boutique social media marketing agency based in Vancouver, BC that offers social media marketing solutions for premium brands and service-based professionals. She offers coaching, consulting, online courses, and social media management services, and she basically quadrupled her own following by doubling down on IG Reels this past year, so she knows a thing or two about rapid growth. Tune in to hear more about: Why niching down your account is best practice How Reels offer the most ROI of any content type—and how to crush your reelsWhich IG features you should be using to maximize engagementThe secret sauce to going Live, and why it’s worth itHow the algorithm really works, and how to make it work for youThe best ways to show up in your IG Stories and how they actually convertThe value of developing a voice or persona for your social brand Three things small businesses should do to create a successful IG presenceWhat tools or software to use to map out your contentHow to overcome overthinking and anxiety on socialStrategies for breaking out of a creative rut and brainstorming new contentHow to set healthy boundaries with social mediaWe hope this episode helps you make the most out of Instagram so you can grow online like a boss! Teach Me How To Adult is a podcast that serves up expert interviews, candid experiences and actionable advice on everything you never learned growing up. Follow along as we figure it out together!For show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caFollow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/Follow Laura:instagram.com/bsquared.social www.bsquared.social Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

If you, like us, have been languishing the past few months (AKA feeling super blah and unmotivated) you’ve also probably noticed that your ability to concentrate and focus is dwindling. Whether you’re trying to focus on a task for work, look alive on Zoom meetings, or start that project/hobby you’ve been putting off, our success all comes down to our ability to concentrate on the task ahead. And in this never-ending groundhog day, it can be realllly hard to focus our attention and see things through.But there are lots of ways to foster concentration! We are here to help everyone get out of their focus ruts with some science-backed solutions and easy antidotes to distraction, so we can get shit done, focus our energy and get back to living life again! #nomorelanguishingListen to this week’s quickie to learn more about:Why multitasking just ain’t it—and how to start honing in on one task at a timeThe importance of setting boundaries with your phoneHow feedback and measuring your progress will improve your focusWhy you should be managing your *energy*, not your timeHow sleep, nutrition, hydration and movement can impact focusThe science-backed benefits of meditation for focus and concentrationCailyn’s hot tips for how to get laser-focused on never-ending Zoom meetingsHow listening to music can help you absorb new infoWe hope these tips motivate you to get hella focused and crush everything you set out for yourself! You got this.Teach Me How To Adult is a podcast that serves up expert interviews, candid experiences and actionable advice on everything you never learned growing up. Follow along as we figure it out together!For show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caFollow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/ Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

These days, long distance relationships are a reality for a lot of people who have been separated by the corona, border closures, quarantines, or the usual reasons like university and work relocations. (A quarter of you who responded to our Instagram polls said you’re in a long distance relationship right now!) And tons of couples start out distanced through apps and online dating.So we’re diving into how to navigate long distance relationships right now, from communication and bonding tips to dealing with loneliness and insecurity, with relationship expert Dr. Morgan Cutlip. And this isn’t just for romantic relationships! All the advice we share today really does apply to anyone in your life that you care about if you’re separated right now, so if you can’t see someone you love, give this a listen.Dr. Morgan Cutlip has a PhD in counseling psychology and holds a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. For over 13 years, she’s worked at Love Thinks, a company that creates practical relationship education resources. Morgan’s passion is helping her fellow millennials find love, happiness and longevity in their relationships—without the drama. And we are HERE FOR THAT. Tune in to hear more about: The importance of strong communication in distance relationshipsHow to meet each other’s love languages when you’re apartHow to stay connected and bonded through rituals and new experiencesDealing with loneliness, how to ask for help, and ways to self-soothe Navigating having needs with feeling “neediness” What to do if your efforts don’t feel reciprocated Why we should strive for an interdependent relationshipHow to give and receive relationship feedback with friendsHow to overcome insecurities and doubts when you’re living two separate lives? Tips for online dating and practicing your relationship skills We hope this episode helps you feel closer to anyone you are apart from right now! We’re just two cheesy romantics, but to us, love always wins. Teach Me How To Adult is a podcast that serves up expert interviews, candid experiences and actionable advice on everything you never learned growing up. Follow along as we figure it out together!For show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caFollow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/Follow Morgan:instagram.com/mylovethinksDrmorgancutlip.commylovethinks.com Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Sustainability is extra top-of-mind with Earth Day this week, and in the past year alone, we’ve seen just how huge an impact our small actions can have on the environment. (Seriously, just watch David Attenborough’s new doc…in just a few weeks after lockdown, air pollution cleared so much in Jalandhar, India, that the snowy peaks of the Himalayas were visible for the FIRST TIME IN THREE DECADES!) We’ve really wanted to improve our carbon footprints and become more eco-conscious, so in this week’s quickie, we’re giving you 12 easy tips for going green that you can implement around your kitchen, living room, bathroom, closet, shopping habits, and outdoor space to live a more sustainable life. Listen to this week’s chat to learn more about:The impact you can make by substituting plant-based alternatives a few times a weekThe scoop on what you can and can’t put in the recycle, garbage and green binSustainable food storage tips we learned from our GrandmasHow to reduce your waste when grocery shoppingReducing your kitchen waste (i.e. eco-friendly swaps for paper towels!) Buying second hand furniture and Gill’s tips for upcycling your home decorThe impact you can make by switching to LED lightsThe environmental, health & financial benefits of DIY cleaning productsHow switching to a safety razor can save you $5,000!The dirty truth behind fast fashion & enviro-friendly clothing brands we loveHow to revive, repurpose or sell clothes you no longer loveHow to start a garden and grow your own food, even if you don’t have a backyard/balconyWe hope this helps you make some simple swaps and changes in your life that will make a big difference for our beautiful planet! Teach Me How To Adult is a podcast that serves up expert interviews, candid experiences and actionable advice on everything you never learned growing up. Follow along as we figure it out together!For show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caFollow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/ Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Possibly the biggest sign that you’ve unlocked adulting status? You seriously know your way around wine. It’s always impressive when one person at the dinner table knows which wine to order with every dish, and the hottest vinos to put on your radar.So, in our latest episode, we’re talking all things wine 101 with wine expert Lauren Power. We cover everything from how to host a wine tasting and the most popular go-to grapes, to the winemaking process, food pairings, and the proper temperature to serve your favourites! We also dive into an important chat about mastering our mindset around drinking, consuming with intent, and how to take a dry month if you want a break.Lauren runs in-person and virtual wine tasting events to help people explore and develop their own personal wine palates, and she’s the sales and marketing maven behind her family-owned wine and spirit importer, Treamici Wines.Listen to our chat to learn more about: The key grapes and regions to knowHow to figure out your palette and wine preferencesThe six most popular wines to order How to actually do a wine-tasting, and notes to knowTips for ordering wine off restaurant menus like a proWhen to decant and proper temperatures for serving wineEasy, no-brainer food pairingsHow to have a more mindful relationship with alcoholTips for taking a dry monthTeach Me How To Adult is a podcast that serves up expert interviews, candid experiences and actionable advice on everything you never learned growing up. Follow along as we figure it out together!For show notes and more adulting tips, visit:teachmehowtoadult.caFollow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultpodcast Follow Gillian:instagram.com/yunggillianaire/Follow Cailyn:instagram.com/cailynmichaan/Follow Lauren:instagram.com/laurenpower_wine/https://treamiciwines.com/ Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube